COSTA MESA – Police have arrested a Costa Mesa man suspected of sexually assaulting one female college student and propositioning several others, authorities said Thursday.

Brendan Douglas Copley, 20, pleaded not guilty Thursday to misdemeanor counts of touching an intimate part of another person and lewd conduct in a public place, according to Orange County Superior Court records.

Investigators believe Copley, an Orange Coast College student, sat next to a female student, asked her to have sex with him, then continued to follow and pressure her as she walked away in shock, according to a written release by the Costa Mesa Police Department.

Police say that as the woman walked toward her class, Copley grabbed the back of her dress and raised it.

When the woman turned around to confront Copley, he grabbed her buttocks and crotch area, tearing her stockings, police said, and then fled when she called for help.

Investigators believe Copley had propositioned another student at Orange Coast College and may also have spoken to women at Vanguard University, asking them about their schedules, personal information and following them as they walked to their classes, police said.

Copley remains in custody at Orange County Jail in lieu of $100,000 bail, according to Sheriff’s Department records.

Detectives are searching for other potential victims at Orange Coast College and Vanguard University, and are asking anyone with information about the case to call Det. Carlos Diaz at 714-754-5097 or Sgt. Ed Everett at 714-754-5395.

Sean Emery is a crime and public safety reporter for the Register who covers state and federal courts and criminal justice issues. He has worked for the Register since 2006, previously covering breaking news, the city of Irvine, the Orange County Great Park, and the city of San Juan Capistrano.